How to Nguyen

An online journal

An online journal

Silence is Still Golden

January 29th, 2017

It’s only natural that as soon as I publish a post about speaking up and being open to rally support that my inner cynic screams out in protest. I refrained from writing a followup to give myself time to let the other post sink in for a bit, but I think it’s been long enough now.

Every time I think there’s something I want to write about it takes more energy than I care to admit to finally sit down and try to type it up. Often when I read others’ updates, posts, articles, and open letters I can’t help but think it’s wrong. Either the message is wrong, the tone is wrong, or the delivery is wrong.

The content is one thing, but I say message to mean providing proper context and backing. I’d greatly prefer it if people didn’t post and support things I deem to be opposing to my values, but it’d be nice that if they felt compelled to do so to also provide proper context and backing for their viewpoints.

Wrong tone. Writing with a voice that seems defensive instead of simply offering an explanation. Writing that reeks of insecurities instead of the intended objective update. Writing that comes off as inflammatory instead of one that encourages discussion.

Wrong delivery. Writing when a particular message would be better served through visuals in a video. Digital communication when the gravity of the issue would be best conveyed in-person. Extensive discourse that should instead be delivered as a statement. Short-form writing when the intended audience and message would be better served with long-form writing that covers all viewpoints. Flooding communication channels to the point of ultimately undermining, and effectively rendering useless, each individual message.

And, of course, this website falls under all three. Sometimes I look through the site and I can’t help but wonder whether or not it’s sticking to its intended purpose. I write while in one state of mind and read it while in another and I find myself thinking this is all nonsense.